The 2^nd annual East Coast National Elite Camp finished last week and featured over five dozen standout underclass softball players from across the country taking part in the on-field drills on Thursday and the games on Friday at Georgia Gwinnett College in Gwinnett, Ga.

Derek and Joann Allister of OnDeck oversaw the event as they drove cross-country after running the prestigious West Coast National Elite Camp in October.

“The players held up very well over the course of the two days,” explained Derek, “and a good contingent of college coaches representing the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC and several others attended.”

The weather didn’t play nice the first day, but the games took place under ideal fall conditions.

“The first morning was drizzly rain,” Allister continued, “but the players hung in there despite the wet conditions. Blue sky dominated Thursday afternoon and Friday was simply beautiful.”

OC Batbuster – Briggs head coach Ken Briggs, whom Derek calls “the fungo master,” helped lead the onfield play and “was his usual energetic and positive self while putting all the players through their defensive paces.”

Former Minnesota All-American pitcher Sara Moulton and former Jacksonville State star, Ashley Elliasson provided “quality live BP,” added the OnDeck founder. “Basically, it was a great two days of softball.”

Many felt the dominant theme at the East Coast Camp was the large number of excellent hitters, especially in the power department.

Here’s a look at some of the players who stood out at the East Coast National Elite Camp with comments from Derek Allister:

• “Ohio Outlaw’s 2016 middle infielder Alexis Van Ooyen showed all the athleticism that we saw at PGF Nationals, and she will have many options in the months to come. Her strong academic situation might very well push her to an elite academic institution where she has the potential to be a star.”

• “Indiana Magic’s 2017 pitcher Danielle Watson had a fabulous outing and solidified her place as an elite pitching talent in the Class of 2016. Danielle was consistently pitching around 63 mph with a nice array of pitches.”

• “GA Cobra 2017 outfielder Skylar Mosel didn’t disappoint at all. Rarely do we see cover outfielders as good as this one, and Skylar possesses a strong arm and potent bat. Skylar is certainly one of the best emerging prospects we have seen in GA in the last two years.”

• “Florida Gold Coast Hurricane’s 2017 utility player Brooke Langston showed why she is being pursued by many BCS conference schools up and down the East Coast. Brooke is a tenacious hitter who can slap, bunt, and hit it into the gaps.”

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  “2017 infielder/outfielder Kara Groover from the Georgia Power Blue was a dynamic presence both defensively and offensively. The young lady can just play the game.”

• “2018 East Cobb Bullet – Schnute catcher/shortstop Taylor Greene was marvelous and just kept hitting doubles in the gaps. She also displayed great hands at shortstop and a great attitude and demeanor behind the plate.”

• “Texas had a strong contingent of players fresh off highlevel performances in the Texas Jamboree. 2016 Cami Conrad, 2017’s Marisa Arriaga, Brycen Blinco, Hannah Boring, and Megan Dake plus 2018’s Hailey Wetherill, Abby Odneal, Sydney Owens, Denay Griffin, and Kaylee Lind all performed well. Lind is just a puppy right now, but when all the parts come together, she will be a player. Owens is one of Texas’ best in any class.”

• “Atlanta Premier 2018 stars Terrica Williams, Briana Butler and Kelcey Bennett showed off major talent throughout the two days. Butler was throwing gas with a natural drop. Bennett was showing off major ability as a middle infielder, catcher and hitter and Williams has SEC written all over her as she hits it a ton.”

• “Tate Moseley, a 2018 outfielder with the Birmingham Thunderbolts, made a name for herself in the two days. She is a year away from being a five-tool prospect who will be able to play at virtually any program in the country.”

• “A trio of AZ Cats stars – 2018 infielders Ellessa Bonstrom and Anya Gonzalez plus 2017 catcher/shortstop Annika Baez, made the trek from the desert and wowed all in attendance. These three Arizona stars are certainly going to be playing in major softball programs if they so choose.”

• “Finally, some of the young 7^th and 8^th graders produced huge performances that stamp them as future major recruits:

• GA Vipers 2020 Brooke Miller
• FL Stingray 2019 Leea Hanks,
• TX Fusion 2019 Saleen Donohoe,
• GA Atlanta Premier 2019 Katie Perkins,
• Jersey Intensity 2019 EC Taylor

“They were all phenomenal and showed the flashes of brilliance that will certainly stamp them as future stars.”

Typically, the Allisters try to keep the limit to the number of attendees to around 70 so there aren’t too many players who fail to impress after being scouted thoroughly.

Of those called out above, Derek added: “While this is only a partial list of all the fabulous players that graced the dirt and grass at beautiful Georgia Gwinnett Softball Stadium, we can honestly say that we were not disappointed by the play of any.”

Speaking of the college facility where the event took place, the OnDeck lead raved about the venue and it looks like it may be the future home of the East Coast Camp for a long time.

“ I might as well give that program its proper due,” Derek exclaimed. “This two and a half year old program is a hidden gem in the NAIA circles and their facilities are top tier. Several major schools would kill to have Coach Kat Ihlenburg’s softball set-up: the field itself is fabulous with all the amenities you would expect in a big-time facility. The school is located just east of Atlanta in Gwinnett County, one of the premier places to live in the Atlanta area.”

“Finally, Coach Ihlenburg has great Division 1 experience, and she can teach the game. This is certainly a program that many, many players in this country should look at before they make their decision on where to go to school. Not many programs truly have a chance to win a National Championship in their sport, but players at Georgia Gwinnett will probably be contending for such an honor in the very near future.”

Next on the 2014 recruiting trail for OnDeck is the popular Arizona Jamboree taking place Friday, Nov. 14 in association with Keith Householder’s showcase.

“From there we move to the Las Vegas Tryout in December,” Derek concludes, “and then we will close the books on 2014 and get ready for Chicago’s Banditfest in January.”